One of the world’s largest automobile and motorcycle manufacturers, Honda has a storied past with some fun facts throughout its history. From humble beginnings as a motorcycle manufacturer to having a cult-like following around the world, the Honda Motor Company is in no short supply of fun facts. That’s why we threw together this list of five fun facts about Honda that you may not have known.
In this short blog sponsored by Avalon Honda, you’ll read about five of the most interesting Honda facts. Whether you’re a lifelong Honda fan or completely new to the brand, this list of five fun facts is a great read you won’t want to miss. When you’re done reading and are feeling the need for speed, pay a visit to Avalon Honda located in Cape May Court House for a test drive in the thrilling Insight.
The Iconic Ignition Beep
If you’ve owned a Honda of days past, you’ll know all about the iconic ignition beep. With the key in the ignition and the door open you would be greeted by four chimes in rapid succession. Many Honda owners hear the beep as a charming reminder of their love affair with the vehicle, while others immediately do anything they can to disable it.
With such a split of opinion on the matter, it is no wonder that the “Honda beep” has gained notoriety, especially in the age of the internet. The beep’s growing popularity has led to many garage-bay discussions about its origin, although it really isn’t shrouded in much mystery.
The beep is a play on the Morse Code version of the letter “H” — seriously, it’s that simple. Now the reason behind the beep is unknown, but we like to chalk it up to a fun easter egg planted by Honda’s engineering team. If you’re doubtful that this is the right answer, check out this video and then compare it to your Honda — notice the similarity?
No matter the reason behind its origin, the Honda Beep has become a piece of Honda lore that will stick around forever. If you haven’t heard this iconic beep and want to, stop by Avalon Honda and check out any one of the many Hondas available in inventory.
Honda Makes Robots
Since its inception, the Honda Motor Company has been dedicated to helping people get around. That’s why in 2000 Honda created ASIMO, a humanoid robot that helped influence some of the most valuable walking assistance devices known today.
ASIMO was aptly named after Issac Asimov, the late, great science fiction author known for the Foundation series of books. The robot has a variety of abilities, including the ability to recognize moving objects, postures, gestures, faces and even the surrounding environment. ASIMO is also able to recognize and distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar voices, allowing it to identify “friend” and “foe”.
With over 20 years of research and development, Honda announced in March 2022 that it would be ending the ASIMO project at the end of the month. However, this didn’t mean the complete end of all things ASIMO as some of the tech developed during the project will live on forever in mobility assistance devices.
ASIMO is responsible for mobility assistance innovations such as Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist. These features have revolutionized the mobility industry and changed the way folks with mobility issues live life.
While ASIMO will never be a household robot like we imagined while watching The Jetsons, it will forever live on in the history books. If you’re dying to meet ASIMO, you can find a version of him at Disney Autopia attractions at Disney resorts throughout the world.
Compact Recreational Vehicle
Honda Motor Company was the first automaker to develop and produce the world’s first-ever “compact recreational vehicle” also known as the CR-V. First rolling off assembly lines in 1995, the CR-V was built on the Civic platform and featured an SUV body — making it the perfect combination of comfort and utility.
When it was first introduced, the CR-V featured a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and seating for up to five passengers. With enough seats for the whole family and plenty of storage space, it’s no wonder Honda named it the compact recreational vehicle.
Yet, the most interesting fact about the CR-V is that from 1996 to 2006 it featured a stowaway picnic table in the rear of the vehicle. That’s right, on a fun day out with the fam you could even pull over and enjoy a small picnic thanks to the fold-out table included by Honda. Unfortunately, Honda no longer includes picnic tables in CR-V models but with enough creativity and time on YouTube, you could fashion your own!
Made in the U.S.A.
Despite being a Japanese company, Honda is surprisingly one of the United States’ largest domestic automobile manufacturers. With over 12 plants throughout the United States producing 5 million vehicles annually, the American side of Honda Manufacturing is responsible for producing over two-thirds of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America.
If you still don’t believe that Honda is one of the biggest auto manufacturers in the US, here is another mind-blowing number: 28.3 million. That is the number of cars and light trucks that Honda has built in the United States since 1982. With millions of cars and trucks sold and many more millions to come, Honda is indeed one of the largest auto manufacturers in the United States.
The World’s Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer
In addition to being one of the largest auto manufacturers in the US, Honda is also one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Honda’s humble beginnings were in motorcycle manufacturing and has never been abandoned as one of the company’s focuses.
Just like its automobiles, Honda motorcycles are wildly popular throughout the world — especially in the Asian and European markets. One of the best-selling motorcycles of all time is the Honda Super Cub, a reliable and iconic motorcycle that is still in production today. The value, reliability and enjoyable ride is all part of the formula that made Honda motorcycles some of the best in the world.
Honda’s motorcycles are so reliable that police departments throughout the United States purchase the Goldwing in fleets for their motorcycle patrol divisions. While America was initially a notoriously anti-motorcycle market, Honda’s “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” advertising campaign, coupled with unwavering reliability helped to shift the attitude toward motorcycles.
If you’re in the market for a motorcycle, you won’t want to overlook all of the incredible options Honda has to offer.
The Power of Dreams
Equipped with some new knowledge on one of the world’s best automobile brands, it’s time for you to visit your nearest Honda dealership. If you live in Cape May Court House, Ocean City, Atlantic City or anywhere in the Cape May area — Avalon Honda is the dealership for you.
At Avalon Honda, we stock Cape May Court House’s largest selection of new and used Hondas at the lowest prices. If you don’t want to overpay for your next Honda, then you won’t want to buy from anywhere else but here at Avalon Honda in Cape May Court House. Stop by and test drive the new 2022 lineup of Hondas, including the Insight, today at Avalon Honda.
